Wound Care Notes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to wound care principles and practices, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Open Wound

A wound in which the skin integrity has been breached.

Closed Wound

A wound in which the skin remains intact.

Contusion

A bruise; a type of closed wound caused by blunt force.

Abrasions

Scrapes and scratches; a type of open wound.

Penetrating Wound

A wound caused by a sharp item that breaches the skin.

Laceration

An open wound resulting from cutting or tearing.

Pressure Injury

A wound caused by pressure or friction on the skin.

Infected Wound

A wound undergoing the infectious process, possibly exhibiting purulent drainage, necrotic tissue, or erythema.

Necrosis

The death of tissue due to lack of blood supply.

Erythema

Redness of the skin indicating increased blood flow, often associated with inflammation.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin, indicating underlying health issues.

Unstageable Pressure Injury

A wound with full-thickness tissue loss that cannot be accurately staged due to obscured wound bed.

Tertiary Intention

Wound healing method where the wound is left open for some time to allow granulation tissue formation and is later sutured closed.

Dehiscence

The separation of the layers of a surgical wound.

Evisceration

The protrusion of visceral organs through a surgical incision.

Granulation Tissue

New connective tissue and blood vessels that form on the surface of a wound during healing.

Surgical Incision

A wound created intentionally with sharp instruments, typically featuring linear edges.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, often the first phase in wound healing.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells ingest and eliminate pathogens and debris.

Chronic Illness

An ongoing health condition that can negatively impact wound healing.

Lymphedema

Swelling due to accumulation of lymph fluid, which can impair wound healing.

Cytotoxic Medications

Medications that are capable of killing cells, including those needed for wound healing.

Nutritional Deficiency

Lack of necessary nutrients that can interfere with wound repair.

Radiation Exposure

A factor affecting wound healing where radiation can cause breakdown of underlying connective tissue.

Compression Bandages

Bandages used to apply pressure to wounds or areas to enhance circulation and prevent swelling.